I attended the KW Symphony’s concert “Live by Request: Music from the Stage & Screen.” Like the last time they did this, they allowed the audience to vote on songs on their cell phones. Here’s the program: Hooray for Hollywood — Williams Semper Fidelis March — Sousa from The Shape of Water, among other things […]

Here’s an updated version of this list, including soundtracks I discovered in 2017. The big winner for 2017 so far is John Williams for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. I didn’t spent quite as much time listening to soundtracks in 2017 as I had in the previous few years. Year Winner Runner Ups Honourable Mentions […]

Here’s an updated version of this list, including soundtracks I discovered in 2016. The big winner for 2016 so far is Michael Giacchino for Star Trek Beyond (who also composed the previous year’s Tomorrowland). My list doesn’t go this far back, but I also discovered John Barry’s theme for Zulu (1964) — it’s astonishing. These are […]

This list continues from part 7. Jon Brion Brion is also a composer, producer, songwriter, and instrumentalist outside of movies. Upcoming work includes Wilson. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Peer Pressure Clint Eastwood You know Eastwood as an actor and director. He has also scored some of the films he’s directed. You may think […]

This list continues from part 6. Jay Chattaway Chattaway scored many episodes of Star Trek from The Next Generation to Enterprise. He’s also scored some movies, and is possibly retired. His flute theme from TNG‘s “The Inner Light” became deservedly popular. The Best of Star Trek – 30th Anniversary Special! Orchestral Suite from the Inner Light […]

This list continues from part 5. David Arnold Arnold scored the 5 James Bond movies between Tomorrow Never Dies and Quantum of Solace — John Barry recommended him to the producers. Casino Royale (2006) African Rundown Quantum of Solace Time to Get Out Sherlock (with Michael Price) The Game Is On Stargate Stargate Overture Tomorrow […]

This list continues from part 4. Carter Burwell Burwell has a great relationship with the Coen brothers, and has also written a couple of scores for Spike Jonze. Upcoming work includes The Founder and Wonderstruck. It Could Happen to You The Search Mr. Holmes Mr. Holmes True Grit (2010) River Crossing Where the Wild Things […]

This list continues from part 3. Peter Best Best may have retired, as he hasn’t scored a movie since 2004. His Crocodile Dundee soundtrack is, like the movie, unique and wonderful. Crocodile Dundee Opening Titles Theme from Crocodile Dundee Overture from Crocodile Dundee Mychael Danna When directors want something a little different in their music, […]

This list continues from part 2. Burt Bacharach Bacharach is mostly focused on his pop music career but he scored a few movies. The James Bond spoof Casino Royale was a ridiculous movie but the music was glorious. Casino Royale (1967) The entire album, especially Casino Royale (Main Title) Angelo Badalamenti Badalamenti has scored movies […]

This list continues from part 1. Klaus Badelt Badelt’s one soundtrack on the list is one that I love. Upcoming work includes Ballerina and Warrior’s Gate. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (with Hans Zimmer) The entire album, especially He’s A Pirate Christophe Beck Beck wrote some brilliant music for the TV […]